Bruce Flegg tapes continue to stir trouble for LNP

CAMPBELL Newman’s administration continues to be haunted by the Bruce Flegg covert recordings scandal after it was confirmed the matter had been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions by Queensland’s corruption watchdog.

A second probe into allegations Dr Flegg was offered an inducement, known as Operation Zeus, was sparked after The Courier-Mail revealed the Moggill MP conducted secret mobile phone recordings during talks in 2011 aimed at convincing him to step aside so Mr Newman could contest his seat.

Dr Levy’s revelation at a parliamentary committee hearing shocked senior government figures who believed the investigation was completed last year when all were cleared of electoral bribery allegations.

The CMC’s public statement in December about the bribery allegations prompted the Newman Government to sanction former LNP treasurer Barry O’Sullivan’s ascension to the Senate at the first sitting of State Parliament this year.

Senator O’Sullivan’s formal parliamentary approval for the position had been deferred last year after the watchdog confirmed he was a “relevant party” in its investigation.

The brief of evidence will likely focus on what LNP figures told the initial investigation about an offer of a plum trade post compared with what the recordings revealed.

While the job offer was publicly dismissed as a “rumour” after the first investigation, the recordings revealed Dr Flegg discussed taking the trade post with Moggill branch official Leigh Warren after she acted as his envoy during initial meetings with party officials.

“They’re talking about that job that (former premier Peter) Beattie had, it’s a pretty good job,” Dr Flegg states during one conversation.

Mr Newman declined to comment while an LNP spokesman said the party had received no contact from any authority regarding the matter.

Dr Flegg last night said he had not had contact from the CMC and only became aware of the matter through media.